Be in Nature

Nestled along the Zambezi River, just outside of Livingstone, Zambia, Chundukwa River Lodge is a thoughtfully designed space for you to align with nature and immerse yourself in a more meaningful travel experience.





The unspoiled nature of Zambia is our greatest asset!

Rich in scenery and wildlife, Zambia has become the heart of our great continent - offering something progressively rare - the chance to escape the holiday masses and savour an environment that has remained largely unchanged since the beginning of time.

At Chundukwa River Lodge we enjoy ‘the best of both worlds.’

We live on an idyllic horse ranch situated just 25kms from Victoria Falls - close enough for guests to explore all that our beautiful destination has to offer, yet far enough to offer a sanctuary for nature-lovers and those seeking a quiet place to unwind and reconnect - river watch, horse ride, practice yoga or just enjoy our magnificent birdlife and warm Zambian hospitality in the sunshine.

A place you may feel completely content.

We are dedicated to three activities: the hosting of guests; working hand-in-hand with our community to promote sustainable living practices; and the running of our stables at home and at our sister operation Zambian Horseback Safaris in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy.

Experience the outside, inside

We offer an oasis of quiet luxury. Stay in one of five stunning Riverside Chalets or your own private cottage and enjoy farm-life and the wilderness with us.

The Chundukwa Experience

WAKE UP WITH THE SUN

Wake up with the sun from your eco-luxe chalet and peer out over the magnificent Zambezi River, place of the wild. Whether you opt to stay in one of our Riverside Chalets or the family-friendly cottage, you’ll never miss a hippo call!

Surrounded by nature, sit back and watch the ever-changing landscape of the mighty Zambezi.

MAP YOUR OWN DAYS

Although Chundukwa River Lodge is the ideal place for simply doing nothing at all, our destination offers exciting possibilities for all adventurers, big and small. We have a wonderful selection of in-house experiences - and for those wanting to explore further afield, our team will assist with advice, reservations and logistics on your behalf. Some activities are seasonal, depending on the ebbs and flows of the Zambezi River.

Take a walk through our indigenous garden and find a little spot to gather and restore.

RIDE WITH US

We operate Chundukwa Horse Trails here at Chundukwa River Lodge. We have a large stable yard with horse-riding options for all levels of riders, including learners and our young guests. Our sister operation is Zambian Horseback Safaris located in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy of Western Zambia, where we offer a 3 night safari or longer for intermediate riders and above.

We are also home to Livingstone Polocrosse Club - where visiting players are invited to hire a horse and play!


APRIL & MAY 2024

More than just a season, our Green Season or “High Water” Months are a visible sensation in Zambia.

There’s a palpable shift in the air and a sense of anticipation every morning for what’s to come. Travellers to Chundukwa River Lodge may look forward to long, sunny days, exceptional wildlife sightings and the High Water Season at Victoria Falls - meaning Victoria Falls will be flowing in all her glory! Explore and come back to Chundukwa to relax with a good book by the pool or under the shade of a tree with birdsong for company.

Write your own story this summer with the sights, sounds, scents, tastes and textures of Zambia.

View our Special Offers

A Sensory Sojourn

The Mighty Zambezi. Africa's fourth longest river originates as a tiny burbling spring in a secluded stretch of marshy wetland and lush forest; close to where the borders of Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet. A river that becomes large in size and overwhelming in power - sustaining life, offering knowledge, wonder and a sensory sojourn to all those that visit her waters. Chundukwa River Lodge is located alongside the Zambezi River just 25kms from Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia.

What our Guests Say

  • "Something splendid. A perfect find... the perfect level of familiarity for and with guests. It’s the place you come to, to wind down, it’s not the place for an adrenaline filled holiday. The front of the cabin is closed with mosquito netting - not glass - so all air conditioning is au natural. The cacophony of crickets and the grunting of hippos pierce the early morning sounds. This has been my #1 holiday ever."

    MGT, February 2024 TripAdvisor

  • “There aren't enough words to describe how incredible Chundukwa is, Gail & Doug, the staff, their dogs, activities, surrounding community and the grounds are absolutely amazing. It's such a wholesome stay and leaves a huge imprint on you.”

    Alana, January 2024 TripAdvisor

  • “This place is outstanding - the accommodation, the food, the Zambezi River - but mostly the people who form part of this small community. Luxury over and above what we expected. Gail and Doug have created a true paradise in the Livingstone area.”

    Carole, October 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "Our stay was littered with sun-kissed Zambezi River moments, beautiful horse rides, lazy pond fishing, happy kiddy chaos, incredible food, and warmth that made us feel utterly enveloped in the luxury."

    Dani, February 2024 TripAdvisor

  • “It was absolutely fantastic. Doug and Gail were great hosts and catered to our every need. They took us to a local school community project which is simply awe-inspiring and simply changes your whole perspective on life. It's an experience that you'll never forget so don't hesitate to go!”

    James, September 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "The setting is stunning. My chalet was spacious and well-appointed with open windows that let in all the magical sounds of the river. Gail, Doug and their team could not have been more gracious and hospitable - nothing was a problem and I felt personally taken care of."

    Michele, September 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "We descended on Chundukwa as a big mad family. We went for the catered, all inclusive package and wow wow wow! We were totally blown away with the thought, effort and love that we received from the entire team."

    Dani, February 2024 TripAdvisor

  • "Everything from beginning to end was outstanding at this luxurious lodge. Everything is of the highest quality and the service was impeccable. One immediately feels like part of the family and nothing is too much trouble."

    Anne, August 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "I was excited to stay here but I can say my expectations were certainly exceeded! We were warmly greeted by staff and also one of the owners, Gail, met with us to plan our time there. The staff are so attentive and the food was amazing! I cannot wait to go back!"

    Cassie, August 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "An amazing place with which we could describe it with one word ‘ Heaven’. It’s set up is very well thought of made to disconnect you from the outside world stresses."

    Ken, May 2023 TripAdvisor

Our Ethos

Slow. Homegrown. Handcrafted.

We engage with the land and our community with a slow and ethical approach. It’s our responsibility to share our Africa in a way that is non-intrusive to the community and the natural environment. 

Sustainable Choices

We strongly believe in responsible, sustainable land management, conserving the wilderness and our wildlife now and for future generations. We are fortunate to spend our days working together, surrounded by a team of individuals who share our vision to nurture, protect and conserve.

Our Commitment

  • To honour the invaluable ecosystem we call home

  • No use of pesticides, herbicides or chemicals

  • Ongoing reduction of single-use plastics

  • Organic wherever possible, including residence guest consumables

  • Homegrown foods or supporting ethical farmers and growers

  • Ongoing community partnerships and support initiatives

  • The ethical and kind treatment of all animals

Here are a few initiatives close to our heart;

REALLY GOOD FOOD

The humming sound of bees and insects affirm the healthy environment in which our food is grown! Our veggie patch grows an abundant selection of fruit, vegetables & herbs nourished with compost from our farmyard. We support ethical growers and suppliers.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

We strongly believe in a responsible, sustainable land management, conserving the wilderness and our wildlife now and for future generations. We are committed to conducting our business in partnership with local communities.

THE CHUNDUKWA FOUNDATION

Our Foundation supports the rehabilitation of orphan animals, animal husbandry training and support for working animals (donkeys and oxen) in local communities. We also support education initiatives close to home and our hearts.

Our Story

One land. Three generations. We’re a family farm and family is at the heart of our story in Africa. Your hosts are Doug & Gail, conservationists who have been exploring, observing, and championing wild places in Zambia for over 40 years.

Connect with Us

Follow us @chundukwalodge

Zambian Horseback Safaris

A stay at Zambian Horseback Safaris allows for pure riding freedom over ancient floodplains without holes - providing the space for long stretches of fast-paced riding on well-schooled horses, as well as the opportunity to explore ancient lands, trees, the Zambezi River and enjoy a privileged encounter with the Lozi people of the Simalaha.